Honor

Maid of Honor

Originally uploaded by dimwell

This post is dedicated to my dear friend Renee, is part of a fun little bloggery bridal shower ‘hosted’ by Erin, and is my story about how awesome and proud I was to have recently been my sister’s maid of honor.

Happy Almost Wedding, Renee!

I’ve been all over this blog and all over Twitter this past week about my Little Sister’s wedding last weekend. Truth be told, I was absolutely BURSTING at the seams with joy and pride for her. She’s an astounding woman – a 25-year old first grade teacher who’s already finished her master’s program, nailed down her tenure at the elementary school she teaches at and LOVES, and just married Jeff, the love of her life.

She asked me to be her Maid of Honor last November after he proposed, and I accepted happily, but wasn’t surprised or anything. Two sisters this close have always known that’s the role we’d play in each others wedding some day.

Miranda’s someday was Saturday, July 18, and while she’s off in Jamaica frolicking across beaches and smoking doobies with the Rastafarians sleeping under palm trees, I’ve spent some time absorbing what it actually meant to be her Maid of Honor.

I was completely overwhelmed at sporadic moments throughout her wedding and her ceremony at what it meant TO ME to have been her maid of honor. To stand right behind her as she said her vows.

I have always been protective of her. While she’s not even a year younger than me, she is and will ALWAYS be my Little Sister. I’ve always looked out for her, always wanted to take care of her, and have always threatened loss of limb and appendage to those who dare even think of hurting her.

Standing behind her on the altar seemed symbolic. All “I’ve-Got-Your-Back-Little-Sister!” and stuff.

The biggest moment for me came while I was giving the toast as her Maid of Honor. I addressed Jeff and told him that I couldn’t imagine or choose anyone better suited to take care of her (and pick on me, har har har…) for the rest of her life.

As I said that, I was playing and replaying this inner monologue in my head, telling myself to let go a little. I spent all night Friday making sure she was ready. I was at her beck and call on Saturday.

Need a bustle? Get over here. Need a safety pin? Come here, we’ll fix it. Close your eyes, pout your lips, let’s get a touch-up. Where are you shoes? Right here, we’ve got ‘em.

I even intentionally limited my wine intake (that’s how you know I meant business) to make sure I’d be attentive enough to go into Big Sister mode should ANYthing arise. And I stood there, telling Jeff and Miranda how much I loved them, on the inside I was essentially telling myself to let go of Little Sister and let Jeff take it from here.

It was an absolute HONOR to have stood by her side on what’s been the most important day of her life so far. To hold her hand, to hug her tight, and to turn her over to her husband. An absolute DREAM. I have never felt more joy, more pride, and more excitement for my amazing little sister.

Renee – I can’t even imagine the excitement and love your Maids of Honor are feeling as they prepare to stand behind YOU, the beautiful bride, amazing woman and amazing friend that you are. I am SO happy for you and your upcoming wedding! I can’t wait to see the pictures taken by your lovely Southern photog and to hear all about it. Congratulations, love!